A combined quality evaluation method that integrates chemical constituents, appearance traits and origins of raw Rehmanniae Radix pieces / 中国天然药物

The quality control of Chinese herbal medicine is a current challenge for the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional quality evaluation methods lack quantitative analysis, while modern quality evaluation methods ignore the origins and appearance traits. Therefore, an integrated quality evaluation method is urgent in need. Raw Rehmanniae Radix (RRR) is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. At present, much attention has been drwan towards its quality control, which however is limited by the existing quality evaluation methods. The present study was designed to establish a comprehensive and practical method for the quality evaluation and control of RRR pieces based on its chemical constituents, appearance traits and origins. Thirty-three batches of RRR pieces were collected from six provinces, while high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine the following five constituents, including catalpol, rehmannioside A, rehmannioside D, leonuride and verbascoside in RRR pieces. Their appearance traits were quantitatively observed. Furthermore, correlation analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and t-test were performed to evaluate the qualities of RRR pieces. These batches of RRR pieces were divided into three categories: samples from Henan province, samples from Shandong and Shanxi provinces, and those from other provinces. Furthermore, the chemical constituents and appearance traits of RRR pieces were significantly different from diverse origins. The combined method of chemical contituents, appearance traits and origins can distinguish RRR pieces with different qualities, which provides basic reference for the quality control of Chinese herbal medicine.

Study of macrophage polarization on pulmonary fibrosis and signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

Macrophages are a group of immune cells with pluripotency and plasticity that can differentiate into different phenotypes under different microenvironments in vitro and in vivo. In the development of pulmonary fibrosis, there are alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages, which are polarized to different cell phenotypes at different stages of development. And their polarized phenotypes include M1 macrophages and M2 macrophages. In the inflammation early stages of pulmonary fibrosis, the increase of classical activated macrophages are helpful to clear pathogenic microorganisms and promote the progress of inflammation. In the fibrosis stage, the alternatively activated macrophages increased, which inhibiting the inflammatory reaction or directly promoting tissue fibrosis, on the other hand, it also promoting the fibrosis degradation. To clarify the polarization and polarization mechanisms of macrophages in pulmonary fibrosis will be conducive to the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. In IPF, the polarization mechanism of M1 and M2 is closely related to TGF-β1/Smad. TGF-β1/Smad pathway plays an important regulatory role in liver fibrosis, renal fibrosis, myocardial fibrosis, scars, tumors and other diseases. Blocking the signaling of TGF-β1 by Smad3 and Smad4 is beneficial to inhibit the polarization of AM, which in turn helps to inhibit the progression of IPF.

Effects of Shenqi Xingnao Prescription on Learning and Memory Ability, Contents of Choline Acetyltransferase and Acetylcholine Esterase in Brain Tissue of Mice Models with Alzheimer Disease / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of Shenqi Xingnao Prescription on learning and memory ability, contents of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) in brain tissue in mice models with scopolamine-induced Alzheimer disease (AD); To investigate its mechanism for prevention and treatment for AD. Methods Totally 110 ICR mice were randomly divided into control group, control+Shenqi Xingnao Prescription high-dose group,model group,donepezil group,model+Shenqi Xingnao Prescription high-,medium-,and low-dose groups. The control and model group were given distilled water for gavage, and the other groups were given the corresponding medicine for gavage, once a day, for 14 days. On the 15th day, Morris water maze test and object recognition test were used to evaluate the learning and memory ability of each group. The model mice of memory impairment induced by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine was established 20 minutes before the behavioral test. The expressions of ChAT and AChE in cortex and hippocampus were detected by Western blot. Results The results of Morris water maze test showed that compared with the control group, the model group had significant longer escape latency(P<0.05);Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xingnao Prescription medium-and high-dose groups could shorten the escape latency (P<0.05). The results of the object recognition test showed that compared with the control group, the ability of the model group to explore new things decreased and the discrimination index (DI) decreased (P<0.001);Compared with the model group,Shenqi Xingnao Prescription groups could increase the DI of model mice (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). The results of Western blot showed that the expression of AChE protein in the cortex and hippocampus of the model group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.01); Compared with the model group, Shenqi Xingnao Prescription low- and medium-dose groups could decrease the expression of AChE in the cortex in different degrees(P<0.01);Shenqi Xingnao Prescription groups could decreaed the expression of AChE in the hippocampus (P<0.001); There was no significant statistical significance in the expression of ChAT in the cortex and hippocampus in each group.Conclusion Shenqi Xingnao Prescription can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of AD model mice induced by scopolamine, which may be related to the descent expression of AChE protein in the cortex and hippocampus of the model mice.

Construction of high quality Chrysanthemi Flos pieces standard system based on comprehensive analysis of ancient and modern Chinese and foreign pharmacopoeia / 中国中药杂志

To study the evolution of Chinese ancient and modern pharmacopoeia standards and compare the domestic and foreign pharmacopoeias, further understand the international requirements on chrysanthemum quality, and establish a more suitable and modern standard system for high quality Chrysanthemi Flos pieces. Newly Revised Materia Medica, Welfare Pharmacy, Collected Essentials of Species of Materia Medica (Bencao Pinhui Jingyao), Chinese Pharmacopoeia and other herbal remedies in various generations were reviewed to summarize the evolution of domestic standards on Chrysanthemi Flos pieces. Then they were compared with those in European Pharmacopoeia, United States Pharmacopoeia, Japanese Pharmacopoeia and other foreign Pharmacopoeias to establish a modern and international high-quality Chrysanthemi Flos pieces standard system with Chinese medicine characteristics and produce more internationally recognized high-quality Chinese medicine pieces.

Origin of lifting and lowering theory and its herb pair study / 中国中药杂志

Lifting and lowering theory is one of the important basis for guiding clinical medication. Through the study of ancient books and literature, we learned that lifting and lowering theory was originated in Huangdi Neijing, practiced more in the Shanghan Zabing Lun, established in Yixue Qiyuan, and developed in Compendium of Materia Medica and now. However, lifting and lowering theory is now mostly stagnated in the theoretical stage, with few experimental research. In the clinical study, the guiding role of lifting and lowering theory to prescriptions?mainly includes opposite?role?of lift and lower medicine property, mutual promotion of lift and lower medicine property, main role of lift medicine property and main role of lower medicine property. Under the guidance of lifting and lowering theory, the herb pair compatibility include herb combination of lift medicine property, herb combination of lift and lower medicine property and herb combination of lower medicine property. Modern biological technology was used in this study to carry out experimental research on the lifting and lowering theory, revealing the scientific connotation of it, which will help to promote clinical rational drug use.

Analysis of historical origin and standardization system construction of Citri Grandis Exocarpium / 中国中药杂志

To understand the history development and changes of Citri Grandis Exocarpium and initially establish its standard system after exploring the historical origins and modern development of Citri Grandis Exocarpium. In CNKI, Wanfang database and other academic search platforms were searched for literature on Citri Grandis Exocarpium and Chinese medicine standard system； the books related to its modern cultivation techniques and processing technology were also accessed, and after combining with the actual situation analysis, the prospective design of the standard system of Citri Grandis Exocarpium was finally established with research conclusion. The earliest records of the Citri Grandis Exocarpium were documented in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, but its medicinal value was discovered in the Song Dynasty. Its drug use was developed on the basis of Jupi（orange peel） and Citri Exocarpium Rubrum. In 21st century, a number of large-scale, intensive Citri Grandis Exocarpium bases have been formed due to high price, good planting efficiency, and rapid growth of cultivation areas. The standard system includes the technical specifications of seed selection and seedling cultivation of Citri Grandis Exocarpium, technical norms of cultivation, technical specifications of fertilizing and weeding, technical specifications of irrigation and drainage, technical standard of pest and disease control, standard of medicinal materials grade, standard of processing technology of sliced pieces and the quality standard of slices, etc.

National physician master Jin Shiyuan's dispensing technology of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata based on Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought / 中国中药杂志

To collect the historical origin, processing methods and clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata in Compendium of Materia Medica, compare and analyze the theoretical knowledge and relevant practical operation of national physician master Jin Shiyuan, which is beneficial for the inheritance and development of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata's clinical dispensing technology. In the analysis process, CNKI was searched with "Rehmanniae Radix Preparata", "Processing method", "Clinical application" "Li Shizhen", "Jin Shiyuan", and "Dispensing technology" as keywords. In addition, Shennong's Herbal Classic, Bencao Tujing (illustrated Classics of Materia Medica), Compendium of Materia Medica, Jingyue Quanshu (Jingyue's Complete Works) and related ancient books were accessed systematically to summarize the historical change of processing methods and efficacy of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata. Professor Jin Shiyuan emphasizes the clinical dispensing technology of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, including its nature identification technology, clinical processing technology, prescription audit technology, prescription coping technology, drug delivery technology, clinical decocting technology, purchasing management technology as well as storage, maintenance and supply technology. Through the collation and research, it was confirmed that historical origin, processing methods and clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata were recorded in details in Compendium of Materia Medica. Steaming method of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata was originated from Synopsis of Golden Chamber. Li Shizhen attached great importance to the processing method of "steaming and drying alternatively for nine times" for Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, and differentiated it from Radix Rehmanniae Recen and fresh rehmannia root in clinical applications. Professor Jin Shiyuan has developed and improved the clinical dispensing technology of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, and carried forward the essence of Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought with his own proficient knowledge structure in medicine, providing scientific pharmaceutical service for clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata in future.

National physician master Jin Shiyuan's dispensing technology of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata based on Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought / 中国中药杂志

To collect Li Shizhen's experience in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata identification and clinical application, compare and analyze national physician master Jin Shiyuan's practical operation and theoretical knowledge, which is beneficial for the inheritance and improvement of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata clinical dispensing technology. In the analysis process, CNKI, Wanfang and other databases were searched with "Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata", "Li Shizhen", "pharmacological method state theory" "Jin Shiyuan" and "Chinese medicine dispensing technology" as the key words. In addition, Treatise on Febrile Disease, Compendium of Materia Medica, Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2015 edition), Notes to Medical Professions(Yi Zong Shuo Yue), and other medicine books were accessed to summarize the processing methods and decoction dosage of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in both ancient and modern medicine, and in consideration of technical research and practice operation, Li Shizhen's description of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Professor Jin Shiyuan's research on Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata dispensing technology were analyzed and collected. Li Shizhen recorded the nature identification and clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata by using pharmacological method state theory in Compendium of Materia Medica. National physician master Jin Shiyuan carries forward the essence of Li Shizhen's pharmaceutical academic thought with his own proficient knowledge structure in medicine, providing scientific pharmaceutical service for clinical application of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata Professor. Jin Shiyuan put forward the dispensing technology for the first time, including nature identification technology, clinical processing technology, clinical decocting technology, prescription coping technology, and class specifications of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. In this paper, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata was used as an example to analyze the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine, and apply the key dispensing technology of traditional Chinese medicine in various commonly used Chinese medicines in the future.

Comparative analysis between origin of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder and modern formula granules / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the origin and causes of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder were reviewed, and a comprehensive analysis was made for the time background of modern traditional Chinese medicine formula granules and the future development trend, in order to provide reference for application and promotion of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules. By reference to ancient medical books of previous dynasties, a system review was conducted for infancy, formation, maturity and transition of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder, and a comprehensive analysis was made for the six factors of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder's maturity in the Song Dynasty. Efforts were made to collect domestic and foreign research literatures of modern formula granules, understand the detailed development, and conduct an objective analysis of the current clinical application of modern formula granules. According to the comparative analysis for the application characteristics of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder and modern formula granules, ①the popularity of cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder in the Song Dynasty has six factors: soaring numbers of medical students and medical practitioners, high medical expenses due to huge army, rapid population growth, frequent epidemics and increasing diseases, and insufficient finances of central and local governments. ②On the basis of clinical application characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules, traditional Chinese medicine formula granules contain extracted and concentrated effective components, which guarantee the curative effect, meet modern people's demands for "quick, simple and convenience" traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, show a relatively high cost performance; however, formula granules are restricted by their varieties and lack unified quality control standards, and single-extract formula granules have not synergy and attenuation effects of combined traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, which also restricts its clinical application and promotion. ③Both have advantages in the process of clinical application, and shall be used based on syndromes. In conclusion, traditional Chinese medicine formula granules do not have disadvantages of "difficult, complicated, turbid and disorderly" cooked traditional Chinese medicine powder, and solve such problems as "inflexibility, expensiveness, restriction, disorder and inefficacy", which is the important basis for promoting traditional Chinese medicine formula granules.

Preliminarily analysis on traditional Chinese medicine advices in Treatise on Febrile Diseases / 中国中药杂志

To make a systematic analysis on literatures concerning traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) advices in Treatise on Febrile Diseases, and summarize the main connotations of traditional Chinese medicine advices, relevant TCM advices in Treatise on Febrile Diseases were collected, screened, compared, summarized and analyzed according to TCM dosage form preparation methods, TCM administration methods, medication contraindications and nursing after TCM administration. The literatures concerning medications in Treatise on Febrile Diseases were consulted, summarized and compared to standardize medicine advices and facilitate rational clinical application of TCMs. The standard medicine advices were as follows. The boiling water for TCMs shall be tap water and well water. The decoctions that have effects in promoting blood and meridians can be boiled with wine. The decoctions containing toxic components can be boiled with honey. Some TCMs shall be boiled with special methods, e. g. Herba Ephedra that could be boiled before other medicine and skimmed. Japonica rice could be added in decoctions to measure the duration of decoctions. Different dosages were required for different forms (litre, pill, medicine spoon). Administration times, temperature and frequency shall be adjusted according to target positions, functions and stage of illness. As for dietary contraindications during medication, thick porridges are recommended, where foods impacting medicine efficacy are prohibited. Regarding nursing after medication is important to recover physical functions, particularly warm porridges can go with diaphoretic recipes, while thick porridges can go with purgative recipes. And drug efficacies shall be defined by observing urine and excrements, and blood form. In conclusion, Treatise on Febrile Diseases is the first book that discusses TCM advices and records them in details. In this study, new standard medicine advices were proposed to provide important basis for improving clinical advices of TCMs and supports for developing the TCM dispensing technology.

Combination analysis of new drug discovery with "Xiaohe Silian" method and traditional Chinese medicine clinical pharmacy / 中国中药杂志

With the kernel of efficacy, "Xiaohe Silian" was a pattern and method for new drug discovery which was constituted with "metabolism-efficacy, toxicity-efficacy, quality-efficacy and structure-efficacy". Its connotation was in keeping with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy. This paper systematically summarized the research method of new drug discovery practice process for TCM. To avoid western drug like in TCM new drug discovery, we carried out combination analysis with TCM clinical pharmacy. The correlation analysis between basic elements of "Xiaohe Silian(n) and TCM clinical pharmacy was studied to guarantee this method could integrate closely with TCM clinic from all angles. Hence, this method aimed to provide a new method for TCM new drug discovery on the basis of TCM clinical pharmacy with insisting on holistic view of multicomponent study, kinetic view of metabolic process when the curative effect occurred and molecular material view of quality control and structure-activity exposition.

Briefly analysis on academic origins of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing / 中国中药杂志

Through collecting and collating the development process of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing, the development of modern Chinese medicine dispensing on the basis of experience could be promoted. "Heyaofenji", "Hehe", " Heji" in ancient Chinese medicine, herbal medicine literature and law were collected, and then things were sorted out according to traditional Chinese medicine dispensing theory, skills and legal norms. Firstly, "Tang Ye Jing Fa" is the earliest book which marks the rudiment of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing. Secondly, traditional Chinese medicine dispensing theory formed in "Shen Nong's herbal classic". Thirdly, Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" marked the formation of Chinese medicine dispensing skills. Lastly, Provisions in Tang Dynasty law marks the development of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing.

Construction and thinking of data element standard directory of traditional Chinese medicine clinical pharmacy information / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this study was to develop the data element standard directory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy information, to provide application standards and models of TCM clinical pharmacy for the electronic medical record (EMR). The developed line of work is as follows: initially establish research through four forms: literature analysis, questionnaires, discussion groups, expert advice. The research range from the Chinese herbal medicine research, herbal origin, harvesting, processing, identification of traits, physical and chemical identification, modern research, character, taste, Indications, clinical application, processing, dispensing medicine, Chinese medicine specifications, usage, dosage, caution, efficacy indications to small packaging applications, drug research, management and other related issues, including traditional Chinese medicine theory, application and hospital management information; according to the general and part 16 content of the national "Health Information Data Element Standards", and the basic method of extracting data element to study and develop the data element of TCM clinical pharmacy information from the defining content. Correspondingly propose the ideas and methods of construction of the "Data Element Standard Directory of TCM Clinical Pharmacy Information", sort out medicine clinical information data element standard catalog, divided into basic categories, clinical application class, management class three parts, and set norms and standards of identifying data elements, definitions, allowable value of traditional Chinese medicine clinical information, and discuss the sources and standards of information collection, leaving the interface, standardized and scientific terminology, docking with the existing standards, maintenance and management program and oter issues.

The protective mechanism study of fengshiqing recipe against bone destruction in CIA rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the protective mechanism of Fengshiqing Recipe (FR) against bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rats were divided into four groups in the experiment,i.e., the blank control group, the model group, the MTX group (MTX, 1 mg/1 000 g), and the FR group (24 g crude FR/kg). The CIA model was prepared except the blank control group. Medication was started in the MTX group and the FR group from the 14th day after modeling to the 56th day. The toe volume was measured on every Tuesday and Friday. Expression levels of serum IL-17, RANKL, MIP-1alpha were detected after 3-and 6-week intervention. The bone scintigraphy with nuclide (SPECT), bone mineral density (BMD), and the pathological section were observed to assess the intervention of drugs of heat clearing blood activating actions in the bone destruction of CIA rats.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From the 10th day of modeling, the volume of both toes started to swell and reached the peak at about 21 days. It was obviously shrunk at about 30 days. Of them, the swelling degree was milder in the MTX group and the FR group than in the model group. Compared with the model group at the same phase, the levels of IL-17 and RANKL decreased in the MTX group after 3 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The IL-17 level decreased in the FR group after three weeks of intervention (P < 0.05). The RANKL level decreased in the MTX group and the FR group after 6 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the model group and the MTX group, the overall BMD and ankle BMD increased in the FR group after 6 weeks of intervention (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The ankle ROI/mandible and the toe ROI/mandible were elevated in the FR group after 3 weeks of intervention (P < 0.05). Pathological results suggested that the joint lacunae was significantly widened, the hyperplasia of the synovial tissue was so severe, and the bone tissue was destroyed in the model group. Compared with the model group, the aforesaid conditions were significantly improved in the MTX group and the FR group. The cartilage structure was complete.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QR could inhibit decreased BMD, prevent bone destruction, which might be achieved by down-regulating expression levels of IL-17, RANKL, and MIP-1alpha through the osteo immunological Th/RANKL system,inhibiting maturation and differentiation of osteoclasts, thereby, inhibiting bone destruction.</p>

Present and future of traditional Chinese medicine clinical pharmacy / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine clinical pharmacy is the contact theory of traditional Chinese medicine and herbal application on the bridge, this paper systematically reviews the clinical pharmacy of traditional Chinese medicine the history, current situation of clinical pharmacy to conduct a comprehensive review, put forward the development of Chinese clinical pharmacy path, in order to strengthen the traditional Chinese medicine clinical pharmacy discipline construction and research.

Preliminary analysis on morphological characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines in cold property / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study morphological features of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in cold property, such as shape, color, odor and taste.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Totally 118 traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in cold property were selected as study objects. EpiData 3.02 software was applied to establish a database, and SPSS 18.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In terms of shape, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in cold property were classified into 20 categories. Specifically, there were 33 cylindrical herbs, accounting for 28%; there were 10 flaky, ovate and massive herbs respectively, taking up 8.5%; there were 7 oval and curled herbs, occupying 5.9%; there were 6 sphere herbs, accounting for 5.1%; and other shapes were distributed dispersedly. By color, they were classified into 18 kinds, including 15 cases in yellow-brown color, accounting for 12.7% ; 14 cases in yellow-white color, taking up 11.9%; 13 cases in white color, occupying 11.0%; 9 cases in gray-brown color, accounting for 8.5%; 7 cases in dark brown, taking up 5.9%; and there were 6 cases in green, gray and brown colors respectively, occupying 5. 1%. By odor, they could be classified into 6 categories, including 49 cases with feeble odor, accounting for 41.5%, 31 cases without odor, taking up 26.3%; 15 cases with specific odor, occupying 12.7%; with respect to taste, there were 26 cases in slight bitter taste, accounting for 22.0%; 25 cases in flat taste, taking up 21.2%; 24 cases in bitter taste, occupying 20.3%; and 16 cases in sweet taste, accounting for 13.6%. In terms of texture, there were 34 cases in crisp texture, taking up 28.8%; 26 cases in light weight, occupying 22%; 25 cases in hard texture, accounting for 21.2%; 11 cases in solid and tough textures, respectively, taking up 9.3%; those in heavy weight and loose, hard, smooth and other textures occupied a small proportion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The morphologic characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines in cold property show certain regularity. They are mostly cylindrical, yellow, slightly bitter and crisp, with feeble odor. They provide reference for further studies.</p>

Preliminary analysis on morphological characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines in hot property / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study morphological features of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in hot property.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Altogether 114 traditional Chinese medicinal herbs in hot property were selected as study objects. EpiData 3.02 software was applied to establish a database, and SPSS 18.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In terms of shape, there were 25 cylindrical herbs, accounting for 21.9%, which was the largest proportion; 12 flaky herbs, taking up 10.5%; 11 sphere herbs, occupying 9.6%; 9 ovate and massive herbs, respectively, accounting for 7.9%; 8 oval herbs, taking up 7.0%; and the rest herbs were distributed dispersedly. By color, there were red cases, accounting for 39.5%, which was the largest proportion; 29 yellow cases, accounting for 25.4%; 16 black cases, accounting for 14.1%; 15 green cases, accounting for 13.2%; and 9 white cases, accounting for 8.9%. By odor, there were 62 cases with aroma (including slight aroma), accounting for 54.4%; 28 cases with slight odor, accounting for 24.6%; 13 cases without odor, accounting for 11.4%; 7 cases with specific odor, taking up 6.1%; 4 fishy cases, taking up 3.5%. By taste, there were 36 cases in pungent taste (including slight pungent), occuping 31.6%; 35 cases in bitter taste (including slight bitter), taking up 30.7%; 19 sweet cases (including slight sweet), occuping 16.6%; 5 salt cases (including slight salt), occuping 4.5%; 4 sour cases (including slight sour), occuping 3.5%; 11 cases in flat taste, occuping 9.6%; 3 astringent cases, occupying 2.6%; and 1 numb-taste case, occuping 0.9%. In terms of texture, hard herbs (including hard and solid ones) occupied 39.4%; crisp herbs occupied 24.6%; light-weigh herbs occupied 12.3%; heavy-weigh herbs occupied 3.5%; loose herbs occupied 2.6%; and tough herbs occupied 5.3%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The morphologic characteristics of traditional Chinese medicines in hot property show certain regularity. They are mostly cylindrical, red, pungent and hard, with aroma.</p>